Patricia A Grobecker1. 1. School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The rigorous efforts students put into baccalaureate nursing programs to become a professional nurse is compounded by their need to have a sense of belonging in their clinical placements. In addition, the students' perceived stress may contribute to their physiological and psychological wellbeing undermining academic achievements and confidence. BACKGROUND: A sense of belonging and perceived stress have research history in psychological and sociological realms; but not used together in the nursing profession as applied in clinical placements. The Perceived Stress Scale is a psychological instrument used globally; however, the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) measurement tool has not been used in published research in the United States. METHODS: A descriptive correlational research design examining the relationship between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements. Three measurement tools were used for data collection: BES-CPE, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and demographic questionnaire. Students were able to access the online survey through SurveyMonkey®. PARTICIPANTS: A national study was conducted using 1296 volunteer nursing students from the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) database. These nursing students were currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program, 18years of age and completed at least one clinical experience. RESULTS: The findings from this study revealed a statistically significant low inverse relationship (r=-.277) between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in their clinical placements. The findings also supported the use of BES-CPE as a reliable and valid measurement tool for nursing students in clinical placements. CONCLUSION: The results of this study supported the concept of a sense of belonging as a fundamental human need, having a positive influence and impact on students' learning, motivation and confidence. In contrast, perceived stress has negative consequences on the students' self-concept, learning skills and competence.
INTRODUCTION: The rigorous efforts students put into baccalaureate nursing programs to become a professional nurse is compounded by their need to have a sense of belonging in their clinical placements. In addition, the students' perceived stress may contribute to their physiological and psychological wellbeing undermining academic achievements and confidence. BACKGROUND: A sense of belonging and perceived stress have research history in psychological and sociological realms; but not used together in the nursing profession as applied in clinical placements. The Perceived Stress Scale is a psychological instrument used globally; however, the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) measurement tool has not been used in published research in the United States. METHODS: A descriptive correlational research design examining the relationship between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements. Three measurement tools were used for data collection: BES-CPE, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and demographic questionnaire. Students were able to access the online survey through SurveyMonkey®. PARTICIPANTS: A national study was conducted using 1296 volunteer nursing students from the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) database. These nursing students were currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program, 18years of age and completed at least one clinical experience. RESULTS: The findings from this study revealed a statistically significant low inverse relationship (r=-.277) between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in their clinical placements. The findings also supported the use of BES-CPE as a reliable and valid measurement tool for nursing students in clinical placements. CONCLUSION: The results of this study supported the concept of a sense of belonging as a fundamental human need, having a positive influence and impact on students' learning, motivation and confidence. In contrast, perceived stress has negative consequences on the students' self-concept, learning skills and competence.
Authors: Wafaa Aljohani; Maram Banakhar; Loujain Sharif; Fatimah Alsaggaf; Ohood Felemban; Rebecca Wright Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-14 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Catharine Ward Thompson; Peter Aspinall; Jenny Roe; Lynette Robertson; David Miller Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2016-04-22 Impact factor: 3.390